A Benner state prison inmate faces assault and arson charges after police say he started a fire in his cell and attacked an officer.

The 29-year-old man started the blaze about 6:20 p.m. Monday, state police at Rockview said. When the man’s cell door was opened to put out the fire, he left the cell and allegedly attacked a sergeant at the prison. The 42-year-old man was struck in the head. The inmate had to be restrained, and the fire was extinquished.